Tortoiseshell vs Selkirk Rex - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Both Selkirk Rex and Tortoiseshell are originated from United States. Both Selkirk Rex and Tortoiseshell are having almost same weight. Selkirk Rex may live 3 years less than Tortoiseshell. Both Selkirk Rex and Tortoiseshell has same litter size. Both Selkirk Rex and Tortoiseshell requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

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United States
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 17 Years
10 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Sheep Cat
Tortie
Colors Available:
All colors
black, fawn, tan and organge, Cream
Coat:
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Short to long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

tortoiseshellThe Tortoiseshell isn’t a cat breed but rather a coat coloring of cats. It just happens that most tortoiseshell cats are females.

Known as Torties, these cats always have a couple of colors such as red and black as well as some fawn.

Tortoiseshell cats with the tabby pattern are referred to as Torbie cats. Tortoiseshell markings appear in many different breeds.

Description

The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

tortoiseshell kitten - descriptionTortoiseshell cats are your regular-sized cats. They can be medium-sized to large and weigh anything between 3 and 7kg.

They come in different colors and patterns. The colors are essentially cream, fawn, black, tan, and orange. Tortoiseshell markings appear in all the different cat breeds.

Because the tortoiseshell cat is a color and not a cat breed as such they can be different sizes and shapes.

Temperament:

Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed, but there are people that believe that just the color of the coat is indicative of the personality – feisty and lively.

People who have owned these cats say they have a sassy temperament and can even be just a wee bit aggressive sometimes with their strong-willed attitude.

Characteristics

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

tortoiseshell cat - characteristicsYour Tortoiseshell is a beautiful cat and fondly referred to as a Tortie. It has a coat similar to the coloring of a tortoise, but the temperament of the cat will rely much on your own personality and the lifestyle you provide him with.

They are fairly vocal, but because this cat isn't a breed but rather a coat color, nobody can say precisely how it will turn out in personality.

One thing is sure, if you offer your Tortoiseshell lots of love and care, you can be sure of a wonderful feline friend.

Health Problems

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

tortoiseshell kittens - health problemsYour cat's health depends on good food. If your finances allow, choose a high-quality food. Check the label for the feeding guidelines.

Always remember that your cat's age - kittens, adults, and senior cats have different nutritional needs. Sick cats will require a different type of food. Watch your cat's weight because being overweight can bring on a host of illnesses such as diabetes.

A cat has to have access to fresh drinking water every day and night to remain healthy.

Ensuring your feline friend is exercised both mentally and physically is important for good health.

Speak to your vet about the vaccines your cat needs as well as flea prevention.

Caring The Pet

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.

tortoiseshell cats - caringCats are known to be independent but they still need your care and attention. Before you take a Tortoiseshell into your home, prepare for his arrival.

Make sure you have food and drinking bowls ready, a comfortable bed, a stylish cat collar and tag of identification, cat accessories such as a brush, toys, and some top-quality cat food.

If you work all day, maybe it would be a good idea to get 2 cats as some cats can get very lonely during the day, and adding a companion can be an excellent solution for his loneliness.

Always be in touch with the vet if you see that your cat isn’t behaving in his usual way.

Your cat will need to be taken for check-ups and also all the necessary cat vaccinations required to ward off deadly cat illnesses.

Provide your cat with a litter box and make sure you remove the cat feces every day.

Provide your cat with toys. Choose them carefully to keep your cat happy and amused. Buy a scratching post too as all cats want to scratch and you want to save your furniture from your cat using it to scratch on.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Selkirk Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Selkirk Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Selkirk Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Selkirk Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Selkirk Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Selkirk Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Selkirk Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Selkirk Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Selkirk Rex vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Selkirk Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Selkirk Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Selkirk Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Selkirk Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Tortoiseshell vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Tortoiseshell vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Tortoiseshell vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Tortoiseshell vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Tortoiseshell vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Tortoiseshell vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Tortoiseshell vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Tortoiseshell vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Tortoiseshell vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Tortoiseshell vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Tortoiseshell vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Tortoiseshell vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Tortoiseshell vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Tortoiseshell vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Tortoiseshell vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Tortoiseshell vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Tortoiseshell vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Tortoiseshell vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Tortoiseshell vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Tortoiseshell vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Tortoiseshell vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Tortoiseshell vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Tortoiseshell vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Tortoiseshell vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Tortoiseshell vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison